Seven Ways to Balance Vata, Part 1

byvpk® by Maharishi Ayurveda Staff WritersonOctober 29, 2014

According to ayurveda, from October - February the Vata dosha reigns. If you are Vata-predominant, you may notice imbalances in your physiology that did not exist during warmer months of the year. Whether you're Vata-predominant or not, attention to the season and efforts to stay balanced during the cooler months are recommended.

Vata in balance:

energetic... vivacious

learns easily

clear & alert mind

falls asleep easily at bedtime

balanced digestion & elimination

good circulation & even body temperature

Vata out of balance:

tired and/or fatigued

forgetful, or “spaced out”

lack of focus

difficulty falling asleep

occasional constipation

poor circulation (cold feet & hands)

feelings of anxiousness & worry

Stay calm, be mindful and follow these tips for Vata pacification.

Regulate Your Mealtimes

Have lunch starting between noon and 1:00 p.m.

Eat a light, well-cooked dinner early in the evening. Eating an early dinner allows your body to fully digest the food prior to going to sleep. Your body can then settle fully during sleep, resulting in sounder sleep and feeling more rested in the morning.

Avoid skipping or neglecting breakfast. Eat a light, well-cooked breakfast such as stewed fruits, or cooked grains such as oatmeal.

Eat enough at each meal to feel satisfied, but not so much that you are not hungry by the next meal.

These good tips will regulate your metabolic activity, set hunger cycles in order, generate healthy agni (digestive fire), and help to avoid accumulation of toxins in your system.

Begin the day with warm stewed apples, pears or other juicy fruits. Try oatmeal or other well-cooked grains for breakfast. Include fall foods in your diet, such as hot soups with seasonal vegetables. Include wholesome nutrition from whole wheat bread or non-yeasted flat bread such as chapati. Snack on fresh juicy fruit.

Before bed, try a warm cup of milk with a touch of ginger and sugar, Organic Rose Petal Spread, or raw honey. (If using honey, add it after the milk has cooled to a warm (not hot) temperature to maintain its beneficial qualities.)

Stay Warm

Warm yourself up with Organic Vata Tea, a blend of ingredients that balance the Vata dosha. For a special treat, try making Vata tea in milk.

Give Your Skin Some Love

Abhyanga, ayurveda’s daily oil massage, will increase circulation, loosen toxins, and stimulate nerve endings, resulting in a sense of calm. Try vpk Herbal Massage Oils that nourish and balance, and are especially formulated for individual skin and dosha types. Support facial skin with Youthful Skin Cream made from rich healing herbs. These are just the formulas you need to nourish and pamper yourself in fall and winter.

Stay Calm

Try Worry Free for Vata disturbances in the fall that can cause restlessness, feelings of anxiousness and day-to-day mental stress. Make time for light yoga exercises and meditation. This is also a good time to introduce regularity in your work by taking breaks and not overextending yourself. Drink plenty of warm drinks through the day, and practice deep, relaxed breathing known as Pranayama.

Go to Bed Early

Go to sleep ideally by 10 p.m. Science has shown that sleep cycles initiated before 10 p.m. are more restful and useful to our body and mind. Ayurveda has known this for thousands of years! Going to bed prior to 10 p.m. allows the body to settle while still in the evening cycle of Kapha — 6 to 10 p.m. (Pitta time is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Vata time is 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.; and Kapha time is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.)

Get an Expert Opinion

Consult a Vaidya (Ayurvedic expert), who will help you decide what foods are seasonally best for you and will help you recognize and treat any imbalances.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.